Imaging fire detector

ABSTRACT

An imaging fire detector is used to detect a fire from a recorded image sequence. Either a video camera or an infrared camera is used as an imaging device. Characterizing parameters of a fire are either analyzed individually or in combination. In order to detect changes, an object analysis, a pattern analysis or a spatial-frequency analysis of the recorded image sequences is conducted. Using a threshold value for the duration of the changes, short-term changes are detected and discarded. In a further embodiment, the fire detector may also be used as a burglar alarm. With the aid of communication means, the fire detector transmits a fire alert to a master station.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0001] The present invention is based on an imaging fire detector according to the definition of the species in the independent claim.

[0002] It is already known from the Japanese patent application JP-082 029 67 A that a fire detector with a video camera can be used as an imaging device. The video camera is placed in a tunnel, and the recording signals of the video camera are converted into a digital signal with the aid of an analog-digital converter. The digital signals are stored, and a brightness histogram is established by a processor. A determination as to whether a fire exists or not is made by comparing the pixel number at a particular brightness value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The imaging fire detector according to the present invention having the features of the independent claim, has the advantage over the related art that the recorded scene is used to determine whether a fire exists or not by evaluating an image sequence over a period of time. Thus, instantaneous recordings such as passing cars do not influence the prognosis as to whether a fire exists or not. Furthermore, the determination of the time dependence of a fire makes it possible to predict the further course of the fire, which is very useful for fighting the fire because it will then be possible for firefighting units to provide appropriate means to fight the given fire efficiently.

[0004] The fire detector according to the present invention allows a plurality of fire parameters to be measured in combination, so that it can be reliably ascertained whether a fire exists or not. Such fire parameters include fire smoke, combustion heat, heat radiation, gas detection and the appearance of light from the flames. A selection for a fire may be made from these characterizing parameters.

[0005] It is also advantageous that the fire detector according to the present invention may be used both inside and outside, due to the large field of view of the camera and the fire detector not being dependent on other sensors, which significantly increases the application opportunities for the fire detector. In this manner, not only internal areas of buildings, tunnels and storage facilities, but also wooded areas and external facilities may be monitored.

[0006] The fire detector according to the present invention may also be advantageously combined with a fire-fighting system, so that automatic fire-fighting is carried out, based on an analysis of the developing fire.

[0007] Advantageous improvements of the imaging fire detector indicated in the independent claim are made possible by the measures and further refinements specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] It is particularly advantageous that either an image sequence or only one image of the recorded fire is transmitted together with the fire alert, so that the unit receiving the alarm may determine how the fire is developing and how the fire may be fought most efficiently. This significantly increases the operativeness of the fire detector, since a decision is made not only as to whether a fire exists or not, but it is also possible to predict the development of the fire and how the fire may be fought most effectively.

[0009] It is also advantageous that the components of the fire detector, the imaging device, the processor, the memory device and the communications means, are accommodated in a housing. As a result, the mounting and installation of the fire detector are accomplished inexpensively.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the imaging device can be detached from the other components of the fire detector, which gives more flexibility with regard to the application possibilities of the fire detector. This especially allows a simpler installation of not only the camera but also the other components, based solely on an effective placement of the individual components.

[0011] It is also advantageous to use a video camera as an imaging device, which delivers a realistic depiction of the monitored scene. This also allows an object analysis in which individually depicted objects are automatically analyzed, in particular to ascertain whether these objects are hidden by smoke, heat streaks or fire. This is done by a comparison with stored objects. Thus, it is possible to clearly identify a fire and the progress of the fire, resulting in effective fire fighting.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous that an infrared camera, either a heat imaging camera or a thermopile array, is used as an imaging device to monitor fires. In this manner, an analysis is focused on heat pockets and heat manifestations. This allows an uncomplicated fire analysis, since it is basically the heat development that is monitored.

[0013] Ray coupling may be optimized by using an optical system as the imaging device, so that the fire may thus be detected on the basis of weak signals, especially in the early stages of a fire. This is particularly advantageous for early fire detection, since the fire-fighting may then be initiated in a timely fashion.

[0014] It is also advantageous to use a light source together with the imaging device in order to identify characterizing parameters such as opacity and scattering due to smoke particles. For this purpose, a specific degree of illumination, and thus a light source, are required. Therefore, such characterizing parameters of a fire are also advantageously identified in this manner.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the fire detector according to the present invention identifies heat streaks and smoke clouds as characterizing parameters of a fire by comparing stored data with recorded data. This allows a fire to be unambiguously detected based on fire parameters that are not directly related to the appearance of the fire itself. A fire may thus be identified, even if the fire occurs in a location that is unfavorable for the imaging device.

[0016] The effect of characterizing parameters of a fire on the recorded image sequence is advantageously determined by changes in the pattern resolution in the image sequence. This constitutes a simple and clear fire identification, which is also combined with other features to identify a fire.

[0017] In addition, it is advantageous that the fire detector according to the present invention undertakes a flame classification, which is then transmitted by the fire alert and communication means of the fire detector to provide the fire-fighting units with optimal information, so that the fire-fighting units are able to prepare for the fire before reaching the location of the fire. In this case, the communication means may also be a connected siren, an alarm light or an alarm relay.

[0018] It is also advantageous that changes in the image sequence are detected by comparisons with reference images, short-term changes being filtered out by comparing the appearance of short-term changes to a temporal threshold value. In this manner, short-term phenomena, such as the appearance of an insect in the field of vision of the imaging device or the passing of a motor vehicle, are advantageously eliminated from the fire-detection analysis. This considerably reduces false fire alarms.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the processor clearly identifies changes, using spatial frequencies that it acquires from the ascertained image sequences, the analysis of spatial frequencies constituting an easily implementable technology. This advantage is increased by the use of a bar code, which is placed opposite the imaging device of the fire detector, because, on the one hand, this bar code provides an easily identifiable pattern for generating spatial frequencies and, on the other hand, information items evaluated in the fire detector on the basis of the image analysis are encoded in the bar code. An application code is an example of such an information item.

[0020] Finally, it is also advantageous that the fire detector according to the present invention is also used as a burglar alarm in that persons appearing are identified through object analysis in order to transmit a burglar alarm, if warranted. This is particularly advantageous in situations for a fire detector when there is a danger of vandalism, which may be the cause of a fire.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous that a fire alert is generated by using a combination of characteristic parameters for a fire in combination and/or the results of a plurality of analysis methods for fire detection. In this manner, the number of false fire alarms is considerably reduced in an advantageous manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in detail in the following description. The figures show:

[0023]FIG. 1: the fire detector according to the present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 2: spatial frequencies that are detected from images, in one case without turbidity, and in the other case with opacity.

DESCRIPTION

[0025] Fires are detected on the basis of characterizing parameters of a fire. Fire smoke, combustion heat, heat radiation, gas detection and the appearance of light from the flames are such parameters. In smoke, it is especially the particle diameter, the color of the smoke, the smoke density and the opacity of objects that is analyzed. The heat generation that normally accompanies a fire leads to heat streaks, which cause a change in the refractive index of the air, and are therefore optically identifiable. Since a fire is primarily a temporal phenomenon, it is necessary to ascertain the development of a fire over time, so that a differentiable measurement, i.e. the comparison of consecutive times of a measurement and, therefore, the monitoring of a fire, are possible.

[0026] Therefore, the fire detector according to the present invention uses an imaging device to generate an image sequence, which is analyzed by a processor of the fire detector in order to output a fire alert, if warranted, and to transmit this fire alert via communication means. Therefore, the time characteristic of a developing fire is especially analyzed. In a further refinement, the fire alert is provided with an image or image sequences, in order to prepare for efficient fighting of the fire. By using a video or infrared camera, different features are advantageously analyzed in each case. The turbidity and/or dispersion caused by smoke is/are detected in the image sequence by using an additional light source. By analyzing the pattern resolutions of spatial frequencies and by comparing the image sequences with reference images, the processor detects changes in the image sequences, the processor identifying and discarding short-term changes, using a threshold value for the duration of the changes.

[0027] In FIG. 1, the fire detector according to the present invention is represented as a block diagram. A camera 1, as the imaging device, is connected via a data input/output with a first data input/output of a processor 2. Processor 2 is connected to a memory device 3 via its second data input/output. Transmitting/receiving station 4 is connected to a third data input/output of processor 2. An antenna 5 is connected to a second data input/output of transmitting/receiving station 4.

[0028] Camera 1, as the imaging device, observes the area to be monitored for fire. In this case, camera 1 is stationary with respect to an area to be monitored or it may alternatively be moveable by an electric motor, so that camera 1 can be moved in different directions. In this case, the electric motor will be part of camera 1 and controlled by processor 2, possibly by input signals that were received by antenna 5 and transmitting/receiving station 4 and are transmitted to processor 2.

[0029] A video camera is used as camera 1 in this case. The video-camera signals are digitized by an electronics system connected to camera 1, and then transmitted to processor 2. However, the video camera itself may already be provided with a digital output of its own, for instance according to the IEEE 1394 standard. A digital camera is a further alternative, which is to be used to record single images, and which, in this case, may have a computer interface to be connected to processor 2. A prerequisite for using a digital camera is that the image sequence is still sufficiently large for the image changes to detect fires. An image-sequence frequency of approximately one image per second is still considered suitably large.

[0030] The video camera may also be a camera that is sensitive in the near infrared range, i.e., in light wavelengths of less than one micrometer. This has the advantage that an infrared-light source may be used as a light source which is not detected by the human eye and, therefore, is not disturbing.

[0031] An infrared camera may alternatively be used. Either a heat-imaging camera or a thermopile array may be used as an infrared camera. A heat imaging camera detects the heat emitted by all bodies. A heat-profile image of a scene is obtained, regardless of the light. The wavelength at maximum emission is a function of the temperature in this context. At normal ambient temperature, a body reaches its emission maximum at approximately 10 μm, a hot body of approximately 700° C. reaches its emission maximum at approximately 3 μm. The detection range of a heat-imaging camera is very sensitive in this radiation spectrum.

[0032] A simple method for measuring temperature radiation is the use of a thermopile, possibly including an optical system. However, this camera can only provide measurements for the heat radiation of a surface element. Therefore, a plurality of thermopiles is arranged in one row or in one matrix (array), which permits the use of an imaging device having a low resolution. The recorded images are then analyzed using algorithms for the image analysis.

[0033] Using these different camera types, the various characterizing parameters of a fire are detectable to varying degrees of precision. While the video camera is particularly suitable for detecting fire smoke and for flame classification, an infrared camera is primarily suitable for appearances of heat caused by the fire.

[0034] By additionally positioning a light source in an appropriate wavelength range for camera 1 as the imaging device, the identification, especially that of smoke, is possible since the particle size of smoke particles is detected through light dispersion at these smoke particles, a corona forming around the defined light source. Opacity, too, may be determined by analyzing the brightness of the defined light source in the image area. The light source is suitable for a video camera or an infrared camera in the near infrared range at light wavelengths below 900 nm, and emits light at corresponding wavelengths. Especially in the case of such infrared cameras, it is sufficient to illuminate the wall opposite the infrared camera.

[0035] The photosensitivity of a video camera may be increased by the accumulation of a plurality of images, the emerging accumulated image then being compared to a reference image, so as not to lose any information in the image averaged by the accumulation, as a result of the low-pass filter response that occurs in this connection. Thus, it is often possible to dispense with separate lighting.

[0036] On the one hand, the number of images depends on camera 1 itself, and, on the other hand, the repetition frequency of the images may be controlled by processor 2.

[0037] Processor 2 receives the image sequences from camera 1 as digital data. Processor 2 stores these data in memory device 3 for subsequent analysis of the image sequences. A rewritable memory device, in this case a hard disk, is used as memory device 3. Processor 2 analyzes the image sequence for occurring objects, so that smoke clouds and/or heat streaks may be identified as new objects, if appropriate, or that the opacity of known objects in the monitored scene may be determined. The known objects of the scene are also stored in memory device 3 and called up by processor 2 for comparison purposes.

[0038] If processor 2 detects flames as new objects, it will classify the flames by means of stored reference objects for flames. This classification will then with a fire alert, which is which is loaded from memory device 3 for a detected fire, in order to then transmit the fire alert via transmitting/receiving station 4 and antenna 5. An evaluation of the fire progression is possible on the basis of a time characteristic of the flame classification, and appropriate means and measures may be taken to fight the fire.

[0039] Apart from a transmitting/receiving station and a modem, a siren, a warning light and an alarm relay are also potential communication means. These are connected to the fire detector either via cables or by wireless transmission.

[0040] Apart from a mere object analysis, processor 2 is also able to detect a change, and thus a developing fire, based on a change over time in the pattern resolution in the image sequence. The changing pattern resolution of objects in a monitored scene is due to the appearance of heat streaks, for instance, or light smoke, which leads to opacity.

[0041] Short-term changes in the image sequences are identified with the aid of a threshold value, for the duration of the appearance of this change. If the change disappears after a period of time that is shorter than the threshold value, the short-term change is discarded as irrelevant. In this context, pattern information contained in the camera image is evaluated, with brightness variations and different illumination of the scene not being considered in the detection result. The pattern information is detected by determining a gradient of the brightness values and/or color values in horizontal direction and vertical direction of the camera images, and thus ascertaining so-called edge information, or information regarding the gray-scale or color-value jumps in the monitored area. In this context, known correlation techniques are used to determine whether a change has occurred or not, by comparing a correlation coefficient with a threshold value. If agreement is established, the correlation coefficient is above the threshold value; if agreement is absent, the correlation coefficient is below the threshold value.

[0042] Furthermore, image noise is eliminated by known tests for statistical significance, the statistical-significance test yielding a numerical value, which is used in the comparison to a threshold value to ascertain whether noise is present or not. Thus, global changes for longer periods of time are to be detected, while short-term changes are to be eliminated.

[0043] Disturbances such as image noise are particularly important when using the fire detector of the present invention out in the open, since the disturbances are more prevalent there and are treated such that they do not result in false fire alerts.

[0044] In a further refinement of the present invention, processor 2 resolves the images of the image sequences into spatial frequencies. On the basis of the spatial frequency changes, processor 2 detects a change in the image sequence, threshold values also being used here to identify changes that are caused by noise or an actual fire or by short-term changes. In this context, the spectrum of the spatial frequencies is a measure of the detail precision of the monitored scene, an opacity caused by smoke leading to a decrease in the detail precision and thus to a change in the spectrum of the spatial frequencies. In this case, the spatial frequencies are generated by processor 2 by Fourier transformation of the image content or its parts. If no patterns leading to high-frequency spatial frequencies are present in the monitored scene, such patterns may be generated by artificial patterns across from camera 1. Such patterns are similar to bar codes, i.e., vertical line patterns, it also being possible to encode information in the bar coding.

[0045] Changes caused by a fire may then be detected on the basis of the variation over time of the spatial frequencies, opacity, as mentioned below, especially leading to a change in the spatial frequencies.

[0046] If processor 2 has detected a fire, processor 2 transmits a fire alert via transmitting/receiving station 4 and antenna 5, processor 2 also transmitting images or image sequences of the fire and also a flame classification. Transmitting/receiving station 4 and antenna 5 constitute a mobile telephone, which is used to transmit the fire alarm. As an alternative, some other radio transmission may also be used, or also a line-conducted data transmission, a modem being used instead of transmitting/receiving station 4 and antenna 5 to connect the fire detector to a communication network. A siren, an alarm light or an alarm relay represent alternative communication means.

[0047]FIG. 2 shows the analysis using spatial frequencies, in one case with a fire, and in the other case without a fire. The spatial frequencies are plotted on the abscissa, while the intensity of the spatial frequencies is marked off on the ordinate. Spectrum 6 denotes a spatial frequency spectrum of a scene without a fire. Spatial frequency spectrum 7 denotes the spatial frequency spectrum of the same scene with a fire present. Due to opacity, the amounts of the individual spatial frequencies are reduced, which allows an identification of a fire since, in this case, the spatial frequency spectrum 6 and 7 was recorded at different points in time. This shows that when spatial frequencies are employed, the development of a fire over time is primarily detected using a sequentially occurring series of images, while the analysis would be much more difficult and more ambiguous, using a single image. In this case, the individual amounts of the spatial frequencies would have to be compared using stored amounts, different manifestations of smoke resulting in different amounts. Especially at the beginning of a fire, the amounts of the spatial frequencies will only be slightly reduced, although this would be easy to detect by an image sequence.

[0048] Heat streaks lead to periodic changes in the image, which can be determined in the time characteristic of the spatial frequencies.

[0049] By linking features of different characterizing parameters of a fire, on the one hand, and by the results of the different evaluation procedures, on the other hand, a fire alert can only be implemented according to a further refinement of the present invention, if a plurality of either the characterizing parameters of a fire or the results of the evaluation procedures indicate a fire. This advantageously reduces the number of false fire alarms.

[0050] In a further refinement, the fire detector according to the present invention may also be used as a burglar alarm, detected persons being easily identifiable through object analysis and image-sequence analysis on the basis of spatial frequencies. This is then transmitted by processor 2 in the form of a burglar alarm, using transmitting/receiving station 4 and antenna 5. Here, too, the alternatives for the communication means are options as outlined above.

[0051] The fire detector according to the present invention is either compactly accommodated in a housing, or, as an alternative, camera 1 is operated remotely from the other components. In this case, a plurality of cameras may be connected to processor 2. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image-producing fire detector, the fire detector comprising at least an imaging device (1), a processor (2), a memory device (3), and communication means (4, 5), wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) outputs a fire alert as a function of an analysis of image sequences generated by the imaging device (1), and, if appropriate, transmits the fire alert using the communication means (4, 5).
 2. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 1, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) transmits an image or an image sequence with the fire alert, using the communication means (4, 5).
 3. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging device (1), the processor (2), the memory device (3) and the communication means (4, 5) are accommodated in a housing.
 4. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging device (1) may be used while detached from the processor (2), the memory device (3) and the communication means (4, 5).
 5. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 3 or 4, wherein the imaging device (1) is a video camera.
 6. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 3 or 4, wherein the imaging device (1) is an infrared camera.
 7. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 6, wherein the infrared camera is either in the form of a heat-imaging camera or a thermopile array.
 8. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 5 or 6, wherein the imaging device (1) has an optical system.
 9. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 8, wherein the imaging device is provided with a light source.
 10. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 9, wherein the fire detector is designed such that the fire detector detects smoke-related opacity and/or scattering in the image sequences, with the aid of the light source.
 11. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) detects heat streaks and/or smoke clouds in the image sequences, with the aid of data stored in the memory device (3).
 12. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that, from the image sequences, the processor (2) detects a temporal change in the pattern resolution and, if warranted, derives a fire alert on this basis.
 13. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) carries out a classification of flames on the basis of the image sequence and transmits the classification together with the fire alert, using the communication means (4, 5).
 14. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) detects changes in the image sequences by a comparison to a reference image, and identifies short-term changes for the duration of the change, using a threshold value.
 15. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 14, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) resolves images of the image sequences into spatial frequencies and detects a change in the image sequence on the basis of the spatial frequency change.
 16. The imaging fire detector as recited in claim 15, wherein additional patterns in the form of a bar code are applied by the imaging fire detector to measure the spatial frequencies, information being encoded in the bar code.
 17. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire detector may be used as a burglar alarm.
 18. The imaging fire detector as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (2) is designed such that the processor (2) transmits a fire alert via the communication means (4, 5), as a function of a voter-basis decision of characterizing parameters of a fire and/or as a function of the results of analyses of the image sequences. 